2022 Yamaha MT-15 India Launch Next Week, Receives Exciting Updates

[UPDATE: Yamaha has launched the MT-15 Version 2.0 in India. Check out all the details about the bike in our launch story]

The Yamaha MT-15 is among the most exciting new launches of 2022. While already a potent and likable motorcycle, it did miss a trick or two when it was Indianised, albeit with the intention of saving cost. However, with the Yamaha R15 V4 receiving a radical makeover, Yamaha India thinks its the right time for the streetfighter to be updated as well. So here are some exclusive details about the upcoming 2022 Yamaha MT-15.

Launch Date & Price
Through our sources we have found out that there’s a special Yamaha dealer event happening in Chennai on April 11, and the new MT-15 will be launched on the same day. Some dealers have also started accepting unofficial bookings for a token amount of Rs 1,000 to 5,000. So how much will the bike cost? We think it’ll be about Rs 10,000 more expensive than the current model, so you’re looking at a retail price of around Rs 1.60 lakh (ex-showroom).

What’s new?
The biggest change is the inclusion of a USD fork like on the Yamaha R15 V4. Not only will this enhance its visual appeal, but should also make the new MT15 handle better. There’s also dual-channel ABS, something we thought was a big miss on the older bike. Then of course, there is a revised instrument console borrowed from the R15 V4 with Bluetooth connectivity for call and SMS alerts, though navigation has been given a miss, which is disappointing.

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What does it miss out on?
To keep costs in check, the 2022 MT-15 might not get traction control or a quickshifter. While we think this is a fair call to keep costs in check, Yamaha India could have offered these as part of a premium variant, though. The Yamaha MT-15 had received a lot of flak for missing out on a cast aluminium swingarm and guess what: the 2022 MT-15 might also get the same old box-section unit to save moolah.

What’s unchanged?
The new bike will be powered by the same 155cc liquid-cooled motor. The brakes are the same, and so are the frame and the monoshock unit.

And if you’re expecting the new MT-15 to get a radical design makeover inspired by the Yamaha MT-03, prepare to be disappointed. Sources say the styling will remain unchanged but it might get some ‘new’ graphics. The 2022 MT-15 will be offered in four colour options - White, Grey, Metallic Black and Racing Blue.

As you can see the 2022 MT-15 is set to receive a substantial update and we are excited to see the final product. However, pricing will be key for the MT-15 if it wants to rejuvenate its sales performance.